Cave 1 (Padmapani Murals)

The first cave on the terrace

Cave 1 is the first cave you reach, and many people think it is the finest. It is a large vihara, or monastery hall, from the late 5th century CE, when the Vakataka king Harishena ruled the region. The facade is carved with friezes of elephants, horses, bulls and seated monks. Inside, twelve pillars form a square around the hall, with small cells for monks along three walls.

The two bodhisattvas

On the back wall, either side of the door to the shrine, are the two most famous paintings at Ajanta. On the left is Padmapani, the bodhisattva of compassion, holding a blue lotus, with his head tilted and his eyes lowered. On the right is Vajrapani, holding a thunderbolt. Both are larger than life and crowded with smaller figures, musicians and attendants. The shrine between them holds a large seated Buddha.

The stories on the walls

The side walls tell Jataka tales, stories of the Buddha's earlier lives in which he was often born as a king. Look for the Mahajanaka story, with its palace scenes and dancers, and the scene of foreign-looking visitors near the entrance, long called the Persian embassy. The ceilings are covered with painted patterns of flowers, birds and animals.

Seeing in the dark

The cave is lit by low lamps to protect the paint. Stand still for a minute and let your eyes adjust. Staff limit how long people spend inside when it is busy, so go straight to the back wall first, then work round the sides.

Photos

Flash is banned, and tripods need permission. A phone in night mode handles the light well. Step a little to the side of the Padmapani figure to avoid the lamp's reflection on the wall. See the site guide for the rest of the caves.